Thelma Etim

Speaking about the two major orders from the European and United States aircraft manufacturers, American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom outlines: “These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers,” he adds.

Rates from the US have started rising again to China but remain slightly lower both to Europe and to South America, air cargo price monitoring agency TAC Index, reports.

Richard Forson, president and chief executive of Cargolux, explains: “With this action, we hope to contribute to reducing the availability of these products on the market.”

Speaking about the progress of digitalisation, Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s global head of cargo insists: “Inefficient paper-based, manual processes are [gradually] being replaced with digital solutions in all aspects of cargo operations, from tracking to Customs clearances. That’s a fact.”

“Sources among forwarders are suggesting renewed robust demand for Chinese exports,” says air cargo price reporting agency TAC Index. “Outbound Shanghai gained an even greater 8.9 per cent WoW – strong gains both to Europe and the USA further eroding the YoY decline to minus 7.6 per cent,” it says.

David Walker, chief digital and information officer at the airfreight division, says this is an exciting time at IAG Cargo as it continues to advance its digital capabilities whilst progressing on the cloud journey. “We are witnessing a growing customer adoption of digital bookings services across our global network, highlighting the importance of our technological advancements,” he adds.

“There were significant increases again on the big lanes from China, with sources citing continuing strong demand in e-commerce plus further upcoming product launches,” a statement from airfreight price reporting agency TAC Index.

Michael Steen, chief executive at Atlas Air Worldwide, observes: “Cross-border e-commerce is driving significant demand for Atlas’ dedicated large widebody freighter capacity.”

“Outbound Shanghai also edged up another 1.1 per cent WoW to leave it narrowly ahead by 0.7 per cent YoY. But the biggest price action out of Asia again occurred from the very hot market of India, with further large increases WoW on rates both to Europe and to the USA – as well as from both Bangkok and from Vietnam to Europe,” reveals airfreight price reporting agency TAC Index.

Adrien Thominet, the executive chairman of French general sales and services agency (GSSA) giant ECS Group, warns: “We need to protect the image of our industry and we will not protect the image of the industry by keeping it hidden.”